Jakarta. The chairman of a House of Representatives commission has called on the government to better protect the public from hoax information and media, saying Indonesians are entitled to valid and truthful information.

Abdul Kharis Almasyhari, chairman of the House Commission I which oversees intelligence and information, made the comments during a discussion at the Parliamentary Complex on Tuesday (10/01).

“Our communities should be protected from hoax. They should obtain truthful information and news coverage,” Abdul said.

Abdul warned hoax information could influence people to act dangerously in reaction.

“In Islam, conveying false news is similar to sin. I think there is no religion that teaches and allows lies. All religion will ban lies. We hope for the media to present truthful news,” he said.

He said the Information and Electronic Transactions (ITE) Law protects news publishers and outlets and called for responsibility among media leaders.

“Do not let a news story become the cause for someone to be reported and trialed. The ITE law also prevents hate speech, slander and hoax from entering the public domain,” Abdul said.

The discussion was also attended by Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara and Press Council chairman Yosep Adi Prasetyo.